Safety light with colorful rotating illumination pattern

• US 5,893,626 A
• Filed: 04/05/1993
• Issued: 04/13/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thurman Quentin Poling
• Original Assignee: Thurman Quentin Poling
• Inventors: Poling, Thurman Quentin
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, Y MY QUACH
• Application Number:
  US08/042,888
• Time in Patent Office: 2,199 Days
• Field of Search: 362/35, 362/72, 362/230, 362/231, 362/232, 362/234, 362/235, 362/236, 362/240, 362/242, 362/249, 362/251, 362/806, 362/811, 40/442, 40/444, 340/432
• US Class Current: 362/35
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/04 Rear lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/02 changing colors F21S10/002 - F21S10/007, F21S10/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0407 for flashing

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety light having a easily recognizable and colorful rotating illumination pattern. The safety light consists of a housing containing at least one group of secondary lighting elements arranged substantially around a primary lighting element. The lighting elements are covered by a translucent face having a central portion overlying the primary lighting element and a group of colored elements overlying each group of secondary lighting elements. Circuit means power the lighting elements such that the secondary lighting elements are illuminated in a rotating sequence, producing a distinct light pattern. The safety light is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications, including vehicles and recreational and service activities.

Claims

1. A safety light comprising:

at least one primary lighting element for directing light energy outward in a particular direction;

at least one group of secondary lighting elements arranged substantially around said primary lighting element for directing light energy outward in said particular direction, wherein at least one group of secondary lighting elements comprises at least one secondary lighting element rotatably mounted within said safety light so as to permit rotation of said secondary lighting element about said primary lighting element;

a translucent face lying substantially on a plane perpendicular to said particular direction comprising a central portion overlying said primary lighting element and at least one group of colored elements, each color element of said at least one group of colored elements overlying each secondary lighting element of said at least one group of secondary lighting elements, such that when said secondary lighting elements are illuminated, light emitting from said secondary lighting element appears to a viewer in a color corresponding to one of said colored elements;

circuit means for illuminating said primary lighting element and said secondary lighting elements, said secondary lighting elements being illuminated in a particular sequence; and

housing means for housing said lighting elements, said translucent face and said circuit means of said safety light.

2. The safety light of claim 1 wherein a first rotating secondary lighting element rotates about said primary lighting element while at least one other secondary lighting element rotates around said first rotating secondary lighting element.

3. A safety light comprising:

a central primary lighting element for directing light energy outward in a particular direction;

a first group of secondary lighting elements arranged substantially around said primary lighting element for directing light energy outward in said particular direction;

a second group of secondary lighting elements arranged substantially around said first group of secondary lighting elements for directing light energy outward in said particular direction, wherein each of said groups of secondary lighting elements comprises at least one secondary lighting element rotatably mounted within said safety light so as to permit rotation of said secondary lighting element about said primary lighting element;

a translucent face lying substantially in a plane perpendicular to said particular direction comprising a central poriton overlying said primary lighting element and a first and second group of colored elements, said first group of colored elements overlying said first group of secondary lighting elements, and said second group of colored elements overlying said second group of secondary lighting elements, such that when said secondary lighting elements are illuminated, light emitting from each of said secondary elements appears to a viewer in a color of one of said colored elements;

circuit means for illuminating said primary lighting element and said secondary lighting elements, said first and second groups of secondary lighting elements being illuminated in a particular sequence; and

housing means for housing said primary and secondary lighting elements, said translucent face and said circuit means of said safety light.